Space
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Physics
Cosmic ray detector confirms hints of dark matter
Space station-based instrument records high amount of antimatter seen in earlier experiments.
By Andrew Grant -
Physics
Universe is a teeny bit older than thought
Planck satellite reveals information from just after the Big Bang, largely confirming scientists' theories.
By Andrew Grant -
Planetary Science
Distant planets’ atmospheres revealed
Telescopes get first direct glimpse of gases on exoplanets.
By Erin Wayman -
Planetary Science
Life-friendly environment confirmed on Mars
Drill sample from bedrock reveals chemistry that could have supported microbial life.
By Andrew Grant -
Space
No vacancy around stars
The Milky Way’s planets pack tightly around their stars, according to simulations using data from the Kepler space telescope.
By Andrew Grant -
Space
Radiation ring around Earth mysteriously appears, then dissipates
Space probes detect temporary transition from two radiation belts to three, possibly in response to solar activity.
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Space
New home for runaway black hole
Galactic merger and ejection may have sent a cosmic wanderer through deep space.
By Andrew Grant -
Space
Smallest planet found orbiting distant star
NASA’s Kepler space telescope snags an exoplanet tinier than Mercury.
By Andrew Grant -
Astronomy
Russia meteor virtually impossible to see coming
Current and planned efforts to track near-Earth objects focus on bigger quarry.
By Andrew Grant -
Planetary Science
Meteor explodes over Russia
The object is unrelated to February 15 asteroid flyby, experts say.
By Andrew Grant